As lockdown eases in stages, HSE is continuing to carry out spot checks and inspections on businesses in all sectors to confirm they have Covid-secure measures in place.

Being Covid-secure means being adaptable to the current guidance and putting measures in place to manage the risk of coronavirus and making sure workers are following them.

HSE and Local Authorities will use their enforcement powers if they find that an organisation has not implemented good enough Covid-secure safety measures. Measures can include written notices or shutting a business down.

We all want to protect staff and clients, which is why we put together the 'Are you ready for a Covid-secure inspection?' guidance for pest management companies.

You can download our 'Becoming Covid-19 secure' guidance document too. 

Download 'Becoming Covid-19 secure'

Returning to work?

If you have been away from your workplace for some time, such as admin staff working from home during the pandemic, there are other health and safety measures you may need to think about as you return.

Coming back to work may be difficult for some people and your employer has a legal duty to protect their employees from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it. The earlier a problem is identified and tackled the less impact it will have.

HSE has a range of practical support and guidance available to support mental health and wellbeing at work including risk assessment templates for stress, talking toolkits to help start conversations with your colleagues, workbooks, posters, a mobile app and an automated stress indicator tool.

For more information visit the stress section of HSE's website.

If employees have been away from the business for prolonged periods, such as those who have been shielding, they may have experienced a decline in ability or proficiency. They may need additional time and support to get back to pre-pandemic performance.

Legionella

If your building has been closed or had reduced occupancy during the coronavirus restrictions, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease.

See HSE's guidance on legionella risks during the coronavirus pandemic.

GOT CONCERNS ABOUT SPOT CHECKS?

If you're a BPCA member and you've had a spot check you'd like to talk about, or you would like advice about preparing for one, get in touch.

technical@bpca.org.uk